Any Prime Flatbedders?

All it takes is a little simple homework to find decent companies that pay good. You won't find them looking at prime tho.

 

Yeah, I know. I was going to make a statement regarding a certain individual who spends most of its time sitting on its brain, but thought better of it. Gotta kick it every once in awhile just to hear it scream!

 

I would rather buy my own tarps n securement and get tarp pay that starts at $50. It's going to pay off in the long, or no so long, run.

 

I don't get it...why does everyone say pulling a spead axle flatbed is hard??? What is so hard about backing them up? What is so difficult about making a sharp corner or turn with a spead axle? BTW - Most of the time, a track loader or fork lift will put the tarp back on the truck or on top of the load needing to be tarped. I ask these questions because I've only been driving for a little over 2 years. 2 yr 4 months to be exact. I've been pulling a flatbed for 2 yrs and 2 months of that time. (only pulled a refer for 2 months)
I'm just really curious as to why everyone seem to find backing, making sharp turns, etc., more difficult with a spead then with a dry van or refer. I never had a day of training on a flatbed, just let go of the refer on Friday and was told to hook up to a flatbed the following Monday. To me there was no "adjusting"...just as easy as backing a van. Of course you have to time things a little different, understand which axle you are going to pivot on when your loaded and when your not, take into consideration that you will need a little more room to swing...I guess what I'm saying is that the "adjustment" was very...natural, or just simply made sense! I don't know...I'm very curious to see what you guys have to say about the levels of difficulty and why.

 

Sounds exciting. I love a challenge.

 

Keep in mind that flatbedding is far more tied to the state of the economy, and in particular - the economic strength of construction - than reefer or tanker freight.

When they ain't building houses, people still have to eat.

 

I have been pulling flatbed for 1.5 years and have never experienced a slow down yet.

 

It is not hard but you do need to be mindful of the off tracking and dragging the front tire when making a sharp turn. You can greatly reduce the life of the tires and in some cases completely pull it off of the wheel.
Some guys do not care about the equipment and will make sharp turns and leave the tire tread on the pavement. I prefer to take care of the equipment!

 

You guys are actually defending a company that makes you pay for the equipment you need to get the job done? That's awesome haha. I've never had to pay for any straps, chains or boomers. The company should provide you with it if your a company driver. Hell the company I work for now if I need mother polish for the dash they supply it.